What Shape is a Snowflake? by Ian Stewart, Weidenfeld & Nicolson,
拢20, ISBN 0297607235
IAN STEWART鈥檚 non-technical and engaging investigation into the mathematical
patterns of nature begins with his title question, what shape is a snowflake?
Then, just like that snowflake, it bifurcates repeatedly into further questions
involving geometry, symmetry, self-similarity and many other branches of
mathematics, all without using any equations. His enthusiasm is infectious as he
describes the amazing patterns found everywhere in the universe, from the
spherical symmetry of planets to the spiral patterns of slime moulds.
Along the way, he discovers partial answers to such perennial favourites as
why zebras have stripes (it鈥檚 partly genetics and partly chemistry, and it鈥檚
definitely mathematical) and how bumblebees fly (little vortices spiralling
along their wings give added lift), but the real joy is in the journey of
discovery. This beautifully illustrated book is an ideal gift for that annoying
uncle who thinks he has an answer to everything.
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The author is well qualified for such investigation. Ian Stewart is Director
of the Mathematics Awareness Centre at the University of Warwick. His previous
books include Does God Play Dice? and most
recently The Science of Discworld. He
is as good at discussing snowflakes as the nature of the universe.
The scientist鈥檚 delight in constantly finding new questions is an effective
antidote to dogmatic certainty. This book is a showcase for how much is already
known, but Stewart closes by reminding us that the search for a deeper
understanding of the stunning patterns of nature is far from over. And what
shape is a snowflake? Well鈥攕nowflake-shaped.